Lynch Academy principal named new GASD superintendent

Thomas F. Perillo bleeds purple and gold.

He was born and raised in Amsterdam, attended Amsterdam schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, has been a teacher or administrator in the Greater Amsterdam School District for 29 of his 30 years in educational, and currently is principal of Wilbur H. Lynch Literacy Academy.

Now, Perillo will get the chance to lead the school district that for so long has been a part of his life. The Board of Education tapped him to be the school district’s next superintendent. He will take the reins July 1, 2008, one day after current Superintendent Ron Limoncelli retires.

“It’s very exciting, and what makes it more exciting, if that’s possible, is that this is my school district, this is my community. I have worked with these people for years, and I have known some of the students since they were in grade school. I’m honored to be given the opportunity to be the community’s educational leader,” Perillo said.

Superintendent Limoncelli said the school board was fortunate to have two qualified candidates submit applications for the position.

“Tom is a native of Amsterdam, so he understands the culture of the community and the school district. He has a successful track record as a teacher and an administrator, and with the support of the board of education and staff members, the district will be in good hands,” Limoncelli said.

Perillo, 55, graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1970, earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, and then a master’s degree education administration from the State University of New York at Albany and the College of St. Rose. He landed his first job in 1973 as a physical education teacher at Tecler Elementary School, where he remained until 1993, when he was appointed the district’s first swimming pool director. In 1998, he became principal of McNulty Elementary School, which he led through its transition into a magnet school for the 2005-06 school year. He was appointed principal at Lynch in 2005.

When Perillo begins his new job at the central administration building, it will be the first time he has worked in a building without students. He will miss daily interaction with students and teachers, but said he plans to visit the schools as much as possible.

Perillo said he is up for the challenge to oversee the district as it navigates the new educational model, which emphasizes testing and consistent standards for all students.

“I plan to provide the most effective leadership in what is now considered a standards-based environment to improve student performance and vision, and to empower a community of learners who think outside the box, take risks and develop new ideas,” he said. “We have great people, we have great students, and we have a great staff. We are very progressive and I think the administration needs to keep going in that direction.”

Superintendent Limoncelli informed the school board in October that he planned to retire at the end of the school year. He was hired in 1985 as the district's director of health, physical education and sports, and spent 22 of his 38 years in education working for the Amsterdam school district. He was named school district superintendent in 2000 and has held that position ever since. A graduate of Kent State University, Mr. Limoncelli also worked for the Wells and Broadalbin-Perth school districts.